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It was good to be back at Hogwarts for Daphne. So good. The ancient castle was rich with magic and flavour. Everything she touched had history. Every suit of armor. Every painting. Every tapestry. Daphne folded her knees up as she watched Susan duel Harry in his room.

Susan had been suitably awed by the room with the chandelier of suspended lights in orbit over a long table. But she'd quickly wanted to get down to business. She fired spells rapidly at Harry who shielded them all with ease. She never really got close enough to him to hurt him. Not even when she summoned steel spikes and flung them at Harry. Harry merely transfigured the spikes into butterflies.

By the end of the session Daphne observed Susan sweating and panting on her knees. She was just trying to get air into her lungs. Harry stepped towards her and placed the back of his hand gently on her forehead.

"Feel me within your mind." Harry murmured. Susan's breathe hitched. "Relax. I can't see anything. I'm just stabilizing you. Breathe and relax. Breathe and relax."

Susan nodded and Daphne could see her do it.

"Much better. Don't try and throw me out. It is impossible. Now. Show me the memory of your aunt."

Susan breathed and recalled. She brought forth the memory of her aunt. A strong, tall, proud woman. A powerful witch. But she was now alone in the world. A horrible place to be. She had no other family and few allies. She could only do so much. Harry saw all this and brought Susan's attention to Daphne and the state of the Wizengamot. He could practically see the Greengrass family vaults under ministry lock and key. Then he let her go and Susan collapsed once more.

"Neville." Harry greeted. Daphne turned. She hadn't felt the boy enter. The baby fat around his neck and cheeks was melting away leaving behind a strong jaw and high cheek bones. Harry had somehow felt the boy despite the state he'd been in with Susan. Which was impressive. Daphne had expected she herself to notice anyone else first. Harry's senses weren't to be doubted. That was certain.

"Neville. Do you have something for me?" Harry asked. He rose and let the chill in the castle creep from his robes.

"Not at the moment. I didn't see you arrive. I wanted to see you. I got your presents but wasn't sure quite what do with them. Especially in the context…" Neville trailed off and glanced at Susan.

"Susan has a mirror as well. She can be trusted." Harry cut in.

"Well the context of you know who. It was all over the news. His return and burning of Paris."

"I was there when Paris burned but could do nothing," Harry sighed. "What's the point of having all this power if I can't even defend the people?"

"You're still a student," Susan pointed out.

"I'm more than a mere student," Harry scoffed. Susan nodded and looked away.

"I need more power. If I am to contest Voldemort," Harry murmured. "Allies a grimoires will help but they aren't enough. I need something to truly tip the scales. A weapon we didn't have last time. But…"

Harry trailed off deep in thought. He fingered his wand. A knotted instrument. Daphne examined it for a moment. She could have sworn Harry's wand was sleek and black. Not this dull grey knotted thing. It was fascinating.

Neville spike again but Daphne wasn't listening attentively. Harry merely nodded. Still deep in thought. His machinations were tending in the direction of all sorts of weapons and tools which aid in the fight against You Know Who. He was lingering on it and it would take something special to pull him out of his revelations. Harry suddenly flinched as some thought struck him.

"I need access to the department of mysteries. But how?" He murmured. He pondered this. Daphne had a couple ideas but was unsure of why he needed access to such a place.

"It's possible. Not easy but possible. Why the department of mysteries?" Susan wondered before Daphne could.

"There is a prophecy of me and Voldemort. It will be there." Harry answered. "Perhaps I can set a trap around such a place. It should be well fortified. Hm. I wonder. Maybe I should speak to Dumbledore."

"His order would know more." Daphne nodded. "He has eyes and ears all over."

"I need those eyes and ears." Harry whispered. "How's Lisa, Neville? I haven't seen her yet."

"I'm not sure. We haven't spoken much. Want me to find her?" Harry shook his head in denial.

"She'll come. Have you seen Tracy yet Daphne?"

"Only briefly." Daphne shrugged. "She was in a rush in the slytherin common room. The whole house is in something of a panic regarding Voldemort's return. It upset the balance of power."

"Do they need a reminder of who runs this school?" Harry asked.

Daphne shrugged again. It could honestly go either way. Many would be attracted to Voldemort but if they were smart they would lay low under Dumbledore and Harry's eyes. Daphne was a target but she should be safe. She was competent in a duel and had allies.

Harry's green eyes lingered on her for a moment and she felt him brush her mind gently. Then release her.

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Harry was summoned to the headmasters office and he believed it was wise to go immediately when called. He entered the study and sat opposite Dumbledore. The man who had left him to struggle. In more ways than one.

"You will of course be moving in with your godfather this coming summer. I've set up the fidelius around his home so you will be safe."

"I'm sure my parents had the fidelius. Voldemort found a way in anyways."

"I am not Peter Pettigrew, however," Dumbledore returned steadily. "For better or for worse I am my own man."

"What about Daphne. She needs protected too," Harry returned.

"I shall endeavor something for your close friends. I won't let Voldemort run roughshod over Britain. You have my word."

"Your word used to mean more to me." Dumbledore looked agonized but nodded.

"Harry I must ask that you not do anything rash or provocative while we gather our strength."

"My existence is provocative." Harry refuted.

"Only just. I believe he is more curious about you than afraid."

"What about you? Is he afraid of you?" Harry demanded.

"Tom has always feared that which he couldn't comprehend. Death and myself are among them."

"That's assuming being a spectre didn't knock more screws loose in his head," Harry agreed in part. "Only the rational ones have phobias."

"But I do believe phobias are irrational. Are they not?"

"Depends on the level of obsession and perseverance. I believe Voldemort fears death and you greatly. I believe there is little he wouldn't do to destroy you and his own death."

"Which brings us to the horcruxes."

"And the prophecy. Which you still keep from me in the department of mysteries."

"Ah but not forever. And I believe I have found another horcrux."

"How do you plan on destroying it?"

"With vitriol," Answered Dumbledore fiercely. "But getting to it represents another issue. I found it. I do not have it. I found a cave well fortified and protected by none other than Tom. I need time to understand the enchantments."

"You'll let me know more?" Harry half asked and half demanded.

"I shall. You know it was never my intention to keep you in the dark about such things."

"You say that now that I forced you into the light."

"The light is by its very nature blinding," Dumbledore dismissed. "Much has been revealed before i planned it. Now we must act carefully. There is a second spot where another horecrux may yet reside. I need time to investigate it as well."

"Take me with you." Harry begged.

"Not yet, young man."

Harry stewed on that for a moment. He let it go after a brief occlumency battle with the thought. He washed it down and drank deeply of the calming rivers of his magic. Ever the constant companion, his magic was him. It flowed and breathed and if he allowed it to it calmed him. He schooled his face into a thin line.

"I could be useful. I'm not some child. I have made mistakes but no more than yourself."

"I recall. Don't doubt me. When I believe it is safe I shall take you with me."

"You can't coddle me."

"I should however endeavor to shield you from the worst of it. A war is brewing. You will have to fight before it is over."

"All the mor reason to give me experience. Will you start to train me in dueling and magic personally now?"

"I shall. I have little recourse available to me. You must be ready to fend off Tom and his allies."

"Fine," Harry agreed at length. "Is that all?"

"For now. You may depart young man. I am sure you are tired."

Harry was more tired than Dumbledore knew. His mind was constantly at work trying to piece together Grindelwald's life and times. The dark lord had been a menace and there was so much to pick through and so much to resist without allowing it to consume Harry. If he allowed it, he could be Grindelwald 2.0. All his beliefs and mannerisms would shine through through Harry. But that was to be battled. It was a losing effort but Harry wanted to remain himself. He wouldn't. He couldn't. He was doomed to failure. But he could become a merging. Something betwixt himself and that dark lord. Harry rose from his seat.

"I'll see you soon I suppose." Harry murmured.

"You shall." Dumbledore agreed with a nod.

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-WG